Short Summary

Drummers and cheering spectators awaited Zaire's soccer team at Ndjili airport on Friday (15 March) when they returned from winning the African Nations Cup in Egypt.

Description

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GV Ndjili airport.
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LV Aircraft taxis in.
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SV Supporters with leopard banner.
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SV Captain out of aircraft holding Cup aloft.
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SV Cheering crowd.
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SV Captain holding Cup and team following down aircraft steps to supporters.
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SCU Captain and team members shaking hands with officials and soldiers.
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SV Captain holding Cup aloft.
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SV Drummers and dancers.
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SV Team drive through cheering crowds. (3 shots)
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Initials VS.20.38 VS.20.46

SPORT: FOOTBALL

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Drummers and cheering spectators awaited Zaire's soccer team at Ndjili airport on Friday (15 March) when they returned from winning the African Nations Cup in Egypt.

Zaire, already africa's World Cup representatives, drew 2-2 with Zambia in the final of the African Nations' Cup - but they won the replay 2-0. Zaire took the Cup with little difficulty and their winger, N'daye was considered the star of the tournament.

Zaire's captain Kidumu -holding the Cup aloft -was first out of the piane. The team shook hands with officials and supporters before finally climbing into an open jeep and touring the crowded streets of Kinahasa, the capital.

On Sunday the side were presented with Zaire's highest award. The officials and 22 players were made 'Knights of the National Order of the Leopard' at a special ceremony in Kinshasa's May 20 stadium.

Zaire's Yugoslav trainer Blagoje Vidinic hopes to show the world how African football has improved in the past four years when Zaire play in the World Cup in West Germany in June.

SYNOPSIS: Thousands of cheering fans awaited the Zaire football team's return from Egypt at Ndjili airport on Friday. The Leopards", won the African Nations Cup last week.

The Captain, Kidumu, was first out of the plane. Zaire won the Cup by beating Zambia two-nil. The first match between them was drawn two-all but Zaire had little difficulty winning the replay. The win confirmed them as Africa's representatives in this year's World Cup.

The World Cup begins in Munich, West Germany in June. Zeire are in the same group as Brazil, Yugoslavia and Scotland - three strong teams. Zaire's Yugoslav trainer, Blagoje Vidinic said it may be possible to qualify but he at least hopes to show the world how African football has improved.

From the airport the side were driven through crowds to the capital, Kinshasa. On Sunday the officials and twenty-two players were made 'knights of the National Order of the Leopard' at a special ceremony.